Microblading FAQ
WHAT IS MICROBLADING?
A semi-permanent tattoo performed with modern, small, lightweight tools by certified expert artists. The actual procedure varies from one artist to the next, however, in general, fine-feathered strokes are used to produce the appearance of fuller more defined eyebrows. A good technician’s goal is to enhance the clients’ natural beauty by enhancing the eyebrows and making them fuller and more defined. Some of the older cosmetic tattoo methods have been replaced with new, softer, and much more subtle feathered strokes that heal better and look like simulated hair strokes. Even the ink is specialized to the permanent makeup industry as we use pigments rather than full-on ink that is used on body tattoos. And unlike the regular ink, PMU pigments are designed to gently fade over time and maintain the integrity of the color. This aspect of microblading is desired because over the years our clients like to switch it up with shapes and colors which is easily achieved with Microblading on the specific pigments used.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?
Microblading takes about 2 hours. During the appointment, you will start with a quick consultation to discuss the procedure so that the client and the artist are on the same page on the desired outcome. After the consultation, the artist will then spend some time on measurements and drawing out the desired set of brows to achieve precision results. Once the exact look is drawn out then the microblading begins and ends when the desired result is achieved.
HOW LONG DO TOUCH-UP APPOINTMENTS TAKE?
Touch-ups are generally required to ensure that the brows have healed perfectly and to touch-up any areas that did not take the ink well or to adjust the color. The first touch-up is scheduled 4-8 weeks after the initial procedure and the time required varies depending on how well the microbladed area has healed. If any additional touch-ups are required, they will need to be scheduled and cost may vary. Generally, one touch-up is enough before the yearly touch-ups.
HOW LONG DOES MICROBLADING LAST?
Microblading procedures use pigments that are designed to fade over time so they are semi- permanent. Yearly touch-ups are recommended to maintain the desired result. When clients come in for their yearly touch-ups, the brows must be intact and the hair strokes visible in order to receive the touch-up rates. If the brows have completed faded which does happen and has to be redone, it will be considered a new procedure and we’ll have to charge the client as a new full session. Some clients may need to come in every 6 months from the original appointment to maintain their desired look. It mostly depends on each client’s skin, overall health, and how prominent they want their results to be at all times.
WHAT CAUSES MICROBLADING TO FADE?
Each person is unique so it really depends on the client’s health, skin type, and lifestyle. However, there are a few common reasons. With regard to skin type, clients with oily skin tend to fade faster. If a client gets too much sun exposure, over time that exposure can cause fading and even discoloration of the pigment. That’s one of the reasons we recommend that you stay out of the sun for a period of time after your procedure. Skincare products such as anti-aging products or bleaching creams increase your cell turnover rate which shortens the cosmetic tattoo lifespan. Lastly, excessive sweating does cause quicker fading as the sweat pushes out the pigment faster than normal skin biology. With that said, it really depends on each individual because we have clients who work out daily and have long-lasting results. As a general rule, if you want your brows to last long, follow the aftercare instructions diligently!
WHAT ABOUT IF I AM PREGNANT?
I do not perform any service on women who pregnant or breastfeeding as a precaution and to avoid any complications. Baby comes first 😊
IS MICROBLADING SAFE AND SANITARY?
Absolutely! I ensure the highest quality of safety by disinfecting and cleaning all tools before and after each use. All tools, blades and accessories are cleaned and disinfected before each new client.
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY MICROBLADING PROCEDURE?
First and foremost, make sure that you are a good candidate because some people are not. You may request a quick phone consultation with me or schedule a complementary in person consultation. I want to work with and discuss your concerns before scheduling an appointment. You do not need to do anything with your eyebrows before your procedure as I will do all of the tweezing and shaping before and during session. You need to let me know about any and all medications you are using just in case it may interfere with the procedure and the desired results.
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID BEFORE MY PROCEDURE?
You must stop using any skin treatments such as Retinol, bleaching creams, chemical peels, etc, 2 weeks prior to your appointment and at least 2 weeks after the procedure. You must hold off on your Botox appointment because you will need to wait at least 3 weeks before any microblading procedure. You must avoid direct sun exposure and tanning for 2 weeks after your procedure to ensure desired results. If you come to your appointment with a sunburn or peeling, I will not be able to perform the procedure.
WHAT SHOULD I NOT EAT, DRINK ETC BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT?
If you want great results you must avoid alcohol, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and any blood thinners 24 hours before your appointment. Avoid caffeine the day of appointment.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WITH MY MICROBLADING PROCEDURE?
Now that you have achieved your desired results, it is now time to let the procedure heal and come to its final result. Immediately after, the microbladed area will appear much darker and bolder in color and appearance. That is normal with every procedure and every client. Some clients do experience minimal swelling and redness but it will go away within 2 days. The treated area will also be sensitive to touch and clients do feel slight discomfort resembling a sunburn but that’s normal and will go away. Healing is slightly different for each client. However, the complete healing process takes around 4-6 weeks. During the healing process, the true color of the tattoo will become evident which will be softer, lighter, and natural looking. Again each person’s skin, health, and lifestyle are unique which means that some clients have perfect results while others with excessively oily skin release the ink more. One thing to keep in mind is that when fully healed the color will be 30% softer than the initial color. Please remember that we cannot guarantee the final results because each person’s unique skin type holds the pigments differently. During your-touch up session, we will discuss your results and determine the best options for the touch-up session. Final, healed results vary with each client because of skin, health, and lifestyle.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AFTER MY PROCEDURE?
Do NOT apply any makeup on the area for 2 weeks because chemicals of any kind tend to interfere negatively with the healing process. Also, no heavy water pressure on the area for 2 weeks.
The best results are achieved by clients who diligently follow the aftercare instructions for the full 14 day period after the procedure.
Keeping the area clean is essential so please do not touch your brows and when you must, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching any tattooed area.
Do not let your brows get too wet or too dry! Using unscented baby wipes, softly wipe the treated area then moisturize with ointment provided or Aquaphor 3 times a day for the first 3 days. During the rest of the healing period continue that process in the morning and before bed. Make sure to not overdo it with the ointment or Aquaphor because you need to allow your skin to breathe in order to heal. In addition to the above aftercare instructions, it is important to avoid the following things: Botox, facials, steaming, sweating, water, scratching, picking, facials, and anti-aging creams, peels, etc. Your job is to keep it clean and lightly moisturized and away from water. If you must exercise, keep it light to walking so as not to sweat. Once your brows have healed, it is recommended that you use sunblock when out in direct sun so that your brows do not discolor.
IF YOU ARE PLANNING A VACATION PLEASE SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT AT LEAST 2 WEEKS BEFORE TO ENSURE YOU FOLLOW ALL AFTER CARE PROCEDURES. YOUR FINAL RESULTS WILL DEPEND ON HOW WELL YOU FOLLOW BOTH THE BEFORE PROCEDURE PROTOCOLS AND AFTER PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS. PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE AND INFORMED.
